Boat with stowable enclosure

ABSTRACT

A boat construction is provided. The boat includes a boat hull and top. The top is provided with a selectively stowable enclosure device that includes a curtain member that may be unfolded after release from a storage chamber for suspension from the top to form a tubular enclosure area for a person to use as a privacy area for activity such as changing clothes. After use, the enclosure device may be restowed in its storage chamber attached to or integral with the top. The top may be a fixed top or a collapsible top.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Boats, particularly smaller boats, e.g., pleasure boats in the runaboutand deck boat classes, are very popular today. They are provided withmany features to enhance their usability and convenience. Many of theseboats are quite sophisticated both structurally, in the power unit andin the electronics. They are also very well appointed for convenience inuse and comfort. Because of the size and limited space in small boats,the various uses that a particular boat can be used for and the numberof people that are in a boat at one time, interior space is at apremium. Boats may be used for recreational purposes, sporting, forexample fishing and skiing, cruising and the like. Often times, boatswill be on the water for extended periods of time and may be used formultiple activities in a single trip. This often times presents the needfor a privacy area which is typically not available in smaller boats.For example, one may need to change clothes or use a portable head.Smaller boats, particularly those that are open, have no or limitedmeans to provide privacy or at least convenient privacy.

Some attempts have been made in the past, including cushions that can beraised from the seats with frames or deployable curtains supported byframework movable from beneath the seats to enclose a privacy space.Doors and hatches could be opened and/or raised to provide support for adeployable curtain. A permanent privacy area for changing could beprovided in a boat console but that displaces valuable storage space andis typically small. All of the above forms of providing a privacy areaare either complex, require valuable storage space or are inconvenientand time consuming to use. There is thus a need for an improved boatconstruction that will provide for a simple to use, easy to store,selectively usable and deployable privacy area.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention involves the provision of a boat having acollapsible, stowable privacy area enclosure. The enclosure includes acurtain that is selectively deployed suspended from a boat top and maybe stored in combination with the boat top in a folded condition in apouch or pocket. The curtain has at least one side wall made of afoldable flexible material. A pocket member is positioned adjacent tothe top and is at least partially supported above the hull of the boatby the top. The pocket member at least partially defines a storagechamber adapted to receive the folded curtain. The curtain is carried bythe top and when unfolded forms a tubular enclosure that may be open atboth ends. When the curtain is folded, it is stowable in the storagechamber. There is at least one attachment device cooperativelyassociated with the curtain and the top to mount the curtain member tothe top. An opening may be provided in the curtain member to allowingress and egress into and from the interior of the privacy area. Aclosure device may be provided to selectively fix the opening in thecurtain in a closed condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a boat from the stern with a top curtainmember deployed to form a privacy area.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the top of the boat lookinggenerally up from the bottom side of the top to show details of the topwith the curtain stowed.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the curtain membershown removed from storage but not expanded.

FIG. 4 is a figure similar to FIG. 3, but showing the curtain member inan expanded condition.

Like numbers throughout the various figures designate like or similarparts or construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A boat, designated generally by the reference numeral 1, includes a hull2, a bow portion 3 and a stern portion 4. The boat 1 may be of anysuitable style, a walk thru, a closed top, a fully open hull, or anysuitable other boat construction utilizing a top 6. The boat 1 may beprovided with a console arrangement 8 and one or more windshields 10. Acollapsible enclosure designated generally 12 is provided and isdescribed in more detail below. The boat 1 may be provided with aplurality of seats 14 including fore and aft seats and center seatspositioned behind console 8. As shown, the boat 1 is of a walk thrutype. The boat is preferably powered which can be by an inboard oroutboard motor or can be a sail driven craft or have a combination ofmotive devices if desired. The motive device is not shown. The top 6 maybe of a collapsible type or of a permanent type.

As shown, the top 6 is of a collapsible type, which is a preferredembodiment. The top 6 includes a framework designated generally 20 thatis constructed and positioned for supporting a cover 21 above a portionof the cavity 22 of the hull 2. In a preferred embodiment, the cover 21is collapsible and is of a fabric as for example a woven nylon orpolyester having the desired strength and resistance to sun penetrationas desired. Such covers 21 when of a woven fabric preferably have adenier of at least about 500 for durability and may be waterproof ifdesired. The top 21 is secured to the frame 20 as for example by havingone or more cross bars 25 some of which may be retained within sewn orother suitably formed channels 26. The frame 20 includes one or morecross bars 25 and as shown there are three cross bars 25A, 25B, 25C(FIG. 3). As shown, the frame 20 is constructed for being selectivelyconfigured in a collapsed condition and a covering/supporting condition.FIGS. 1-4 show the framework 20 in its up and support configuration. Theframe 20 includes the cross bar 25A supported by two arms 27A, 27B whichare hingedly connected to arms 28A, 28B which in turn are connected tocross bar 25C (FIG. 3). The arms 27A, 27B are preferably connected byhinges at 29 to arms 28A, 28B. The cross bar 25B is connected to arms30A, 30B which are shown as being connected to the arms 28A, 28Brespectively preferably by hinges 29. The top 6 may be secured in its upconfiguration, e.g., by use of hold down straps 30 and back brace 31.The cross bars 25A, 25B move in the direction of front to rear to stopat cross bar 25C to put the frame 20 in a collapsed configuration bypivoting the arms 27 and 30 about their respective hinges 29. By movingthe cross bars 25A, 25B to the collapsed configuration, the cover 21 isalso collapsed from its extended covering configuration to a collapsedstorage configuration. The frame 20 may then be hinged rearwardly and/orhave portions removed from retainers such as sockets to move the top 6to a stowable position. Tie down straps, not shown, may be used tofurther reduce the volume of the collapsed top 6 and to secure it inplace to the hull 2 at the stern 4. The top 6 including the frame 20 andcover 21 as so far described are well known in the art. As shown, thetop 6, when up, is positioned over the center part of the hull 2covering at least the seats immediately behind the console 8. Generally,such tops are used for sun and rain protection and in someconstructions, may be stowed without or little inhibiting of use of theboat or consuming excessive or desirable space within the hull 2.

As best seen in FIG. 2, a pocket member 40 is carried by the top 6 andpreferably, is attached to the cover 21 adjacent at least one of thecross bars 25 so that the weights of the pocket member 40 and theenclosure 12 do not cause excessive sagging of the cover 21. The pocketmember 40 defines a storage chamber 41 which is selectively accessiblefrom the exterior via an opening 42 which may be selectively closed by asuitable closure device such as a zipper 43 or hook and loop fasteners,tie straps, buckles or the like. The volume of the chamber 41 issufficient to enclose the enclosure 12 when the enclosure 12 is rolledor folded and placed in the chamber 41. As shown, the pocket member 40is attached to the cover 21 to preferably be integral with the cover andmay utilize a portion of the cover 21 as one wall portion thereof and aflap 44 as another wall portion. Alternatively, the pocket member 40 maybe separate and attached to one or more cross bars 25 and/or the cover21. Attachment can be by sewing if permanent attachment is desired ormay be by releasable fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners, bucklesand straps or the like if non permanent attachment is desired. Thepocket member 40 may be retrofit to existing covers 21 or top 6 ifdesired. Preferably, the chamber 41 is forwardly opening and the pocketmember 40 is attached to the cover 21 adjacent the middle cross brace25B and is generally centrally located transversely between oppositeside edges of the top 6.

The enclosure 12 includes a foldable curtain member 50 that may beconstructed of one or more sidewall member portions 51 and, as expanded,includes wall members 51A-D which may be formed from one or more piecesof material. Preferably, the curtain member 50 is formed from a singlepiece of material and when configured in an enclosing or deployedconfiguration as seen in FIG. 1, a generally rectangular arrangement intransverse cross section of the walls 51 is provided. The curtain member50 and its sidewall portions 51 are preferably made of woven fabric,such as nylon or polypropylene synthetic fibers and have a denier in therange of between about 100 and about 500. However, it is to be notedthat other transverse sectional shapes may be utilized for example,round, oval or the like. The curtain member 50, when configured forforming an enclosed privacy area 53, has a top open end 54 and a bottomopen end 55 (FIG. 1). Preferably, there is provided an opening 56 thatmay be selectively fixed in a closed position as with a suitable closuredevice, e.g., a zipper 57 to allow for easy ingress into and egress fromthe area 53. The cross sectional dimensions of the enclosure 12 are suchas to provide adequate room for a person to enter and utilize theenclosed area 53 for such things as clothes changing, head use or thelike. The length of the enclosure 12 is such as to provide the desiredamount of privacy. Suitable fastener devices 59 may be provided forexample, hook and loop fasteners, to allow a person to secure theenclosure 12 in a rolled up or folded configuration for storage in thechamber 41. The fasteners 59 may also be used to maintain the lower endof the enclosure in an elevated position in the event privacy is notneeded for the full length of the enclosure 12. For example, duringclothes changing a full length enclosure 12 might not be needed but thefull length of the enclosure 12 might be needed in the event the area 53is used for a head area. The fasteners 59 may be used to help configurethe enclosure 12 in a partially rolled up or folded configuration forstowing in the chamber 41. The top portion 54 of the enclosure 12 ispreferably positioned adjacent the cover 21 while the enclosure 12 issuitably mounted to the top 6 as for example the cover 21 and/or any ofthe cross braces 25. At least one attachment member is preferablyprovided to attach the enclosure 12 to the top 6. In the illustratedstructure, a plurality of flexible straps 61 are secured to the top 6with the straps 61 each being suitably secured to the cover 21 as bystitching, FIGS. 3, 4. In the illustrated structure, at least some ofthe straps 61 are in the form of a Y configured strap arrangement havingtwo strap portions 62, 63 on the free end each, strap portion having asuitable attachment device such as a connect/disconnect coupler devices65, herein coupler(s), secured thereto. Suitable couplers 65 includebuckle portions for example a side release buckle, cam lock buckle,front release buckle or the like. Also, hook and loop fasteners could beused if desired. Opposite side portions 51A, 51C (front and rearrespectively) of the illustrated enclosure 12 include strap members 67secured thereto in laterally spaced apart relationship adjacent the top54 (FIGS. 3, 4). These straps 67 also include an attachment device,e.g., the mating half of the coupler 65. If a cam lock buckle device isused, one of the strap members 67, 61 can function as a portion of theattachment device. As shown, opposite sides of the enclosure 12 at sides51A, 51C, have attachment devices adjacent the top thereof to helpeffect spreading of the upper portion 54 of the enclosure 12 so that theenclosure 12 hangs in a tubular manner to form the enclosed area 53. Thestraps 67 on the bow side of the illustrated enclosure 12, can beattached to the cross bar 25A via a coupler portion 65B connecting to amating coupler portion 65A mounted to the top 6, preferably and mayprovide for adjustment of length thereof. The length adjustment can beaccomplished through the use of the coupler 65 by sliding a portion ofstrap 67 through a portion of the double back loop strap locking slidedevice to provide a self sustaining adjusted length.

In order to utilize the enclosure 12, the coupler portions 65A aredisconnected from the coupler portions 65B on the bow (front) side 51A.Coupler portions 65B are then moved forward and connected to the couplerportions 65C on cross bar 25A. The straps 67 may then be adjusted toenlarge the top 54 of the enclosure 12. After use, the coupler portions65B may be decoupled from coupler portion 65C and reattached to themating coupler portion 65A allowing the user to refold the enclosure 12and restow it in the chamber 41 securing it in place by closing thechamber 41 with the closure device 43.

Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novelinvention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspectsof the present invention are not limited by the particular details ofthe examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated thatother modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occurto those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” andsimilar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in thesense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required.” Manychanges, modifications, variations and other uses and applications ofthe present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilledin the art after considering the specification and the accompanyingdrawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses andapplications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of theinvention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limitedonly by the claims which follow.

1. A boat with stowable privacy room comprising: a boat hull; acollapsible top extending over at least a portion of the hull and havingat least one support portion extending over at least a portion of thehull; a pocket member positioned adjacent the top and at least partiallysupported above the hull by the support portion, said pocket memberforming a storage chamber; a foldable curtain member carried by the topand when unfolded forms a tubular enclosure and when folded is stowablein the storage chamber; and at least one attachment device cooperativelyassociated with the curtain member and the top mounting the curtainmember to the top.
 2. The boat of claim 1 wherein the at least oneattachment device is operable to hold the curtain member in an expandedcondition along a substantial portion of the length thereof.
 3. The boatof claim 1 including a fastener device associated with a sidewallportion of the curtain member to provide a selectively closable openingthrough the sidewall portion.
 4. The boat of claim 3 wherein the atleast one attachment device including a plurality of strap devicessecured to the top and curtain member.
 5. The boat of claim 4 wherein atleast some of the strap devices include strap coupler devices.
 6. Theboat of claim 5 wherein the strap coupler devices including at least onebuckle.
 7. The boat of claim 6 wherein the strap coupler devices are inspaced apart relationship about the top to hold the curtain in anexpanded condition adjacent an upper disposed portion of the curtainmember.
 8. The boat of claim 7 wherein at least some of strap devicesbeing adjustable in length.
 9. The boat of claim 7 including a closuredevice cooperatively associated with the pocket member adjacent anaccess opening and operable to selectively fix said access opening in aclosed condition.
 10. The boat of claim 9 wherein the top including afabric cover and the support portion including a support member.
 11. Theboat of claim 10 wherein the top including a frame including the supportmember, the support member having at least one cross bar, said frameoperable for supporting the cover, said pocket member being positionedadjacent a said cross bar.
 12. The boat of claim 7 wherein the curtainmember having a sidewall portion with a substantial portion thereof madeof fabric.
 13. The boat of claim 12 wherein the fabric of the sidewallportion being woven and having denier in the range of between about 100and about
 500. 14. The boat of claim 7 wherein the curtain member havingan open top and an open bottom when unfolded.
 15. The boat of claim 1including at least one fastener associated with the curtain member toreleasbly retain the curtain member in a folded configuration forstorage in said chamber.
 16. A stowable privacy room for use with aboat, said privacy room including: a pocket member forming a storagechamber; a foldable curtain member in the form of a tube with at leastone open end, said curtain member being secured to the pocket memberadjacent one end of the curtain member, said curtain member beingstowable in the storage chamber; and at least one attachment deviceassociated with the curtain member for securement to a collapsible boattop and operable to hold the end of the curtain member adjacent thepocket member in an expanded configuration.
 17. The privacy room ofclaim 16 wherein the curtain member including a sidewall portion and afastener device associated with the sidewall portion to provide aselectively closable opening through the sidewall portion.
 18. Theprivacy room of claim 17 wherein the at least one attachment deviceincluding a plurality of strap devices secured to the curtain member.19. The privacy room of claim 18 including a boat top associated with atleast one of the pocket member and the curtain member.